The Collin County Observer™

From a Collin County press release. Flu vaccination includes protection from both H1N1, and influenza A and B:

Collin County

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY: Nov. 30, 2010

Free flu vaccine for children available; adult doses for $10

(McKINNEY, Texas) - Collin County Health Care will be offering free flu vaccinations for children and discounted flu shots for adults during National Influenza Week, Dec. 5-11.

Flu shots will be administered at 825 N. McDonald Street, Suite 130, in McKinney, from 7:30 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. all week. Adult doses are $10 each, and cash or check is accepted.

The 2010–2011 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus (swine flu) that caused so much illness last season.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

National Influenza Vaccination Week was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. The flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.

Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.

Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead. For more information regarding the flu please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/NIVW/index.htm.

###

Free H1N1 shots are being offered at Plano clinic

The Collin County Adult Clinic in Plano is offering free H1N1 shots to anyone 6 months or older. There are no residency or income restrictions.

The vaccinations are being offered in cooperation with the Collin County Health Department through at least the end of February.

Collin County Adult Clinic is at 2520 Ave. K, at the northeast corner of Avenue K and Park Boulevard.

Vaccination times are:
• Monday and Wednesday, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 and 17, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 6, 13 and 20, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

From a Collin County Press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2010

Contact: Pamela Nishimoto, PHER Public Outreach Educator, (214)491-6855

HEALTH ADVISORY: Collin County’s First H1N1 Mass Vaccination Clinic Planned for National Influenza Vaccination Week

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County’s first H1N1 mass vaccination clinic will be held Saturday, January 16 in conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week (Jan. 10-16, 2010). Collin County Health Care Services and Collin County Homeland Security will offer free H1N1 vaccine at the clinic being held at Anna High School, 1201 North Powell Parkway, TX, 75409. Walk-ins will be welcome from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The H1N1 clinic is open to everyone.

Staffed primarily by volunteer members of Collin County’s Medical Reserve Corps, the clinic will provide H1N1 vaccine free of charge to the general public. No appointments are necessary.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a nationwide observance urging everyone to get vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu. Between April and mid-November 2009, there were approximately 47 million cases of 2009 H1N1 flu, more than 200,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 10,000 deaths, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in children and non-elderly adults. Flu experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn to prepare for another wave of H1N1 flu during coming months.

The threat of H1N1 influenza remains as we continue through the flu season. The public is urged to get vaccinated, either by their primary physician, at the free H1N1 clinic being held Saturday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or at one of 68 locations partnering with Collin County Health Care Services to provide H1N1 vaccine.

For further information regarding local H1N1 vaccine availability, the public may utilize the following resources: Collin County website at www.co.collin.tx.us/ and Collin County Facebook and Twitter sites; Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Texas Flu Vaccine Locator at www.Texasflu.org; DSHS H1N1 information lines available by calling “2-1-1”; or, calling Collin County Health Care Services at (972) 548-5500.

###

From a press release by Collin County Homeland Security:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2010

Contact: Pamela Nishimoto, PHER Public Outreach Educator, (214)491-6855

HEALTH ADVISORY: Collin County Health Care Services Reports 1st H1N1 Flu-Related Death

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County Health Care Services reports that a 28-year-old Collin County resident who died recently was infected with H1N1 flu. The male had underlying medical conditions. In order to comply with federal privacy laws, Collin County Health Care Services cannot provide additional identifying information.

The threat of H1N1 influenza remains as we continue through the flu season. The public is urged to get vaccinated, either by their primary physician, at a free H1N1? clinic Collin County is offering Saturday, January 16th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Anna High School - 1201 North Powell Parkway, or at one of 68 locations partnering with Collin County Health Care Services to provide H1N1? vaccine.

For further information regarding local H1N1 vaccine availability, the public may utilize the following resources: Collin County website at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/ and Collin County Facebook and Twitter sites; Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Texas Flu Vaccine Locator at http://www.Texasflu.org; DSHS H1N1 information lines available by calling “2-1-1”; or, calling Collin County Health Care Services at (972) 548-5500.

###

+++++++

Pamela Nishimoto

PHER Public Outreach Educator

Collin County Homeland Security

From a Collin County Department of Homeland Security press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2009
Contact: Pamela Nishimoto, Public Outreach Educator, (214)491-6855
HEALTH ADVISORY: H1N1 Influenza Vaccine



(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County Health Care Services is providing H1N1 vaccine for no charge at seven locations to individuals in the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) high-risk priority vaccination groups, and for an administration fee at an additional 59 locations. There are currently 66 provider locations who have partnered with Collin County in order to facilitate ease of access to the vaccine for residents in the high-risk priority vaccination groups. This includes the addition this week of Celina Drug, two additional PrimaCare locations, seven Albertsons Pharmacies, and 13 Kroger Pharmacies.

To date Collin County Health Care Services has received a total of 20,953 doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine. Doses have been, and are being, distributed to: area hospitals, emergency medical workers, first responders, shelter populations, community clinics, and local area pharmacies. Each location is providing vaccine to individuals in the high-risk priority vaccination groups identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and DSHS as initial recipients for the H1N1 vaccine. All individuals in these high-risk priority vaccination groups, listed in no particular order, are encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine:

• Pregnant women;
• Household contacts and caregivers for infants younger than 6 months of age;
• All persons from 6 months through 24 years of age;
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel; and,
• Persons aged 25 years through 64 years of age with health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Collin County individuals in the above listed CDC and DSHS high-risk priority vaccination groups are encouraged to check with their local medical provider to see if they have H1N1 vaccine available.

UPDATE: December 4, 2009
From Collin County Homeland Security -

Beginning Monday, December 7th, Collin County will be offering H1N1 vaccine to all Collin County residents.

Since receiving vaccine, Collin County has followed the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), offering the vaccine only to specific target groups while vaccine was in limited availability. However, vaccine is now widely available in both public and private sectors throughout Collin County and will be made accessible to all residents who desire to be vaccinated.

"Collin County individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated prior to holiday travel, as some areas are more severely affected by the H1N1 virus than Collin County."

Additionally, they may receive the H1N1 vaccine for no charge, while supplies last at:

• Children & Community Health Center of McKinney,
• Collin County Adult Clinic in Plano;
• Express Health in McKinney;
• PrimaCare locations in Frisco, McKinney, Plano and west Plano.

The 59 additional locations throughout Collin County currently providing H1N1 vaccinations to the CDC and DSHS high-risk priority vaccination groups for an administration fee include:

• Celina Drug;
• Texas Star Pharmacy;
• four Care Now locations;
• seven Albertsons Pharmacies;
• 11 Tom Thumb Pharmacies;
• 13 Kroger Pharmacies; and,
• 22 Walgreens Pharmacies.

The 66 Collin County locations include:

• Albertsons Pharmacies - All Collin County locations
  Hours of Operation: Varies by location
  Serving: Ages 18 to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: $20
  Website: www.albertsons.com

• CareNow - Allen
  1218 W. McDermott, Allen, Texas 75013
  (972)390-9000
  Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable
  Fee: $20
  Website: www.carenow.com

• CareNow – Frisco Preston
  5644 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75035
  (972)529-4545
  Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable
  Fee: $20
  Website: www.carenow.com

• CareNow - McKinney
  809 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, Texas 75070
  (972)529-4500
  Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable
  Fee: $20
  Website: www.carenow.com

• CareNow - Plano
  3821 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75023
  (972)599-0077
  Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable
  Fee: $20
  Website: www.carenow.com

• Celina Drug
  701 N. Preston Road, Suite #210, Celina, Texas 75023
  (972)382-2832
  Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 8 to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: $15

• Children & Community Health Center of McKinney
  120 S. Central Expressway #106, McKinney, Texas 75070
  (972)547-0606
  Hours of Operation: By Appointment
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.cchc-vim.org

• Collin County Adult Clinic - Plano
  2520 K Avenue, Plano, Texas 75074
  (972)423-4941
  Hours of Operation: Saturday, December 5, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.collincountyadultclinic.org

• Express Health – McKinney
  1505 Harroun Street, Suite C, McKinney, Texas 75070
  (972)548-2722
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.expresshealthnow.com

• Kroger Pharmacies - All Collin County locations
  Hours of Operation: Varies by location
  Serving: Ages 8 to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: $10
  Website: www.kroger.com
  

• PrimaCare – Frisco
  7227 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75035
  (972)377-7878
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.primacare.com

• PrimaCare – McKinney
  1920 W. Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069
  (469)952-3737
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.primacare.com

• PrimaCare – Plano
  3304 Alma Drive, Plano, Texas 75023
  (972)424-6581
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.primacare.com

• PrimaCare – Plano West
  5076 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75023
  (972)424-6581
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: No charge to high-risk groups
  Website: www.primacare.com

• Texas Star Pharmacy
  3033 W. Parker Road, #100, Plano Texas 75023
  (972)665-3129
  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  Serving: Ages 6 months to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Intranasal Mist, Injectable, Preservative Free
  Fee: $19
  Website: www.pharmaciesplano.com

• Tom Thumb Pharmacies - All Collin County locations
  Hours of Operation: Varies by location
  Serving: Ages 8 to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: $15
  Website: www.tomthumb.com

• Walgreens Pharmacies - All Collin County locations
  Hours of Operation: Varies by location
  Serving: Ages 8 to 64 years
  Vaccine Available: Injectable
  Fee: $18
  Website: www.walgreens.com/marketing/storelocator/find.jsp

Due to the limited vaccine supply nationally, the CDC and DSHS have recommended that specific high-risk priority vaccination groups receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine first. Once the demand for vaccine for these groups has been met, the CDC and DSHS will target additional high-risk groups and later the general population. Collin County is currently developing strategic plans to best serve the public’s health needs as future doses of H1N1 vaccine become available. Once additional vaccine is received, these plans will be implemented with H1N1 vaccine distributed countywide to serve high-risk groups identified by the CDC and DSHS.

Private providers in Collin County have received 96,135 doses of H1N1 vaccine as of the DSHS's November 19 weekly report. Individuals in CDC and DSHS high-risk priority vaccination groups are encouraged to contact their local health care provider to arrange for H1N1 vaccination appointments or seek services from one of the locations listed above.

For further information regarding H1N1 vaccine availability, the public is encouraged to utilize the following resources: Collin County website at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/ and the Collin County Facebook and Twitter sites; the DSHS Texas Flu Vaccine Locator at http://www.Texasflu.org; call the DSHS H1N1 information lines available by calling “2-1-1”; or, call the Collin County Health Care Services at (972) 548-5500.

###

The county has distributed about 15,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine to several area clinics and pharmacies. According to their press release, the county said that the vaccine would be available to "high risk" citizens on Saturday, November 21. Since both my wife and I fall into the "high risk" category, we decided that we would go and get our shots.

First we tried the Walgreen's in Wylie. No luck there. We were told that no vaccine would be available until Monday -- at the earliest.

Then we tried the Prima Care in Plano. They had the vaccine, and they also had a huge crowd and a harried receptionist who informed us that we would be waiting "a long time" to get served.

I then figured we'd do better to try to use the telephone to see what would work best. First we tried the "211" number the county suggested we call. After answering a lot of geographic questions, like "Is Wylie in Collin County?", we were told that there was no Swine Flu vaccine available nearby.

I then called the Texas Star Pharmacy in Plano. They had the shots, but we were too late as they closed at noon. When I asked them what we'd need to bring to document that "high risk", they told me that they were offering the vaccine to everyone, without restriction.

We then called the Tom Thumb pharmacy, they had the shots, explained what forms we needed to fill out and 20 minutes later, we were both vaccinated. The cost to us was $15 each. (The county also pays the providers an additional $21 per shot.)

Out of curiosity, I called a few more designated providers. None reported the kind of long lines seen in Dallas County. There was some real confusion over eligibility, and not all locations had the vaccine available as promised.

It took us about 2 hours to find and get the shots. From what I've been reading of long waits and confusion in other counties, the distribution system the Collin County's Health and Homeland Security Departments set up worked better than many.

It was the first day for widespread distribution, and some confusion is to be expected. Hopefully, the glitches will be worked out quickly, and additional supplies of the vaccine will be made available on a continuing basis.

Bill

Want know where to find the vaccine in Collin County? Here is information from the county.

Correction:

December 1

I received this explanation on payments to providors from a spokesperson at the county:

"One clarification regarding your “Getting vaccinated in Collin County” post. Contracted providers in Collin County are only reimbursed for those vaccine doses they’ve received from the County, and are administering as part of the county’s medical services “safety net.” The reimbursable rate is $19.20 per dose (the regional Medicare dose rate). Providers who charge for their vaccination services do not receive any reimbursement from the County."

From a Collin County press release issued Friday:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Health Care Services
825 N. McDonald St. Suite 120
McKinney, Texas 75069
www.collincountytx.gov

November 20, 2009

(McKINNEY, Texas) -- Collin County Health Care Services received an additional 8,600 doses of H1N1 vaccine today from state health authorities, making more than 15,000 doses available this week to individuals who are in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control priority vaccination groups as listed below:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health Care and Emergency Medical Services Personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
• People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

Those who fall into the above priority groups and are interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccination can call one of the following locations beginning Saturday, Nov. 21:

• PRIMACARE-MCKINNEY
  1920 W. Eldorado Pkwy
  McKinney, TX 75069
  Mon-Fri (8am-9pm)
  Sat & Sun (8am-5pm)
  469-952-3737
  *Preservative-free available
• PRIMACARE-PLANO
  3304 Alma Dr
  Plano, TX 75023
  Mon-Fri (8am-9pm)
  Sat & Sun (8am-5pm)
  972-424-6581
  *Preservative-free available
• EXPRESS HEALTH-MCKINNEY
  1505 Harroun Street, Suite C
  McKinney, TX 75070
  Mon-Fri (8am-5pm)
  972-548-2722
• TEXAS STAR PHARMACY-PLANO
  3033 West Parker Rd.
  Plano, TX 75023
  972-519-8475
• Walgreen Pharmacies in Collin County
• Tom Thumb Pharmacies in Collin County

For future updates of H1N1 vaccine availability and locations, the public may call ‘211’ or 972-548-5500 (CCHCS main line). Also, the Texasflu.org website has posted a Flu Vaccine Locator, or residents can check the Collin County Facebook and Twitter sites through the Collin County website, www.colllincountytx.gov.

Collin County's Department of Homeland Security is responsible for running court house security, The Fire Marshall's office, the North Central Texas Fusion Center, and terrorism and disaster response.

On its web page, the Homeland Security Department lists another core function, "Developing and managing state and federal grant funding for emergency management, homeland security and bioterrorism programs."

It is in gaining and spending grant money, or as I'll call it OPM (Other People's Money) that the Homeland Security folks are masters.

According to a presentation given to the commissioners court earlier this year the DHS has managed to garner over $13 million in grant funds (OPM) since 2003.

UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative), SHSG (State Homeland Security Grant), and LETPP (Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention) grants were used for construction of the Fusion Center, law enforcement radios, phones and communication systems, and disaster preparedness programs.

The PHEP (Public Health Emergency Preparedness)is a grant from the Centers for Disease Control for Bio Terrorism and epidemiology. In 2006,2007 and 2008, the PHEP grant included a total of about $1 million for pandemic flu planning.

The PHER (Public Health Emergency Response) grant is a state grant for pandemic H1N1 flu response. This year, Collin County has already received a PHER grant of $707,309 to be used to plan for mass H1N1 immunizations. The commissioners court is expected to approve another PHER grant request for an additional $1,166,545 to be used to distribute the flu vaccine to targeted populations.

Collin County has applied for 15,500 H1N1 flu vaccine doses, 2,500 will be for critical response and infrastructure such as police and emergency workers. The balance is planned for distribution to uninsured, high risk citizens. To date, the county has only recieved 500 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine. It is likely that the county will only receive about 6,000 doses before the end of the flu season.

Homeland Security had already been awarded over $1 million from 2006-2008 to plan for a flu pandemic. In addition, it received another $700 thousand dollars this year, and it says it need yet another $1.16 million in order to distribute the vaccine.

Since the federal and state government bear the cost of the vaccine itself, the county will spend no money to actually acquire the H1N1 flu vaccine. It will however spend almost $3 million in overhead costs to plan and execute the distribution of the flu shots.

That $3 million is all grant money or OPM.

If the county were to receive ALL the doses it has asked for, the OPM overhead cost of planning is over $190 per dose for distribution. If, as is the more likely scenario, it only gets 6,000 doses, the cost in OPM per dose will be $500.

So how complicated is the distribution?

Well, so far the county plans to send some doses to area hospitals for their staff, but most of the available vaccine would be allocated to the county's own health clinic and to other area clinics. The county has already made an agreement with the Collin County Adult Clinic to distribute up to 2,600 doses at a cost of $19.20 each. The county plans similar agreements with other local clinics.

Most of us in Collin county will get the vaccination from our personal physician. Your doctor will also get the dose for free from the federal government, and he will only be able to charge the insurance company somewhat less than $50. My doctor will offer the shot for a flat $20 fee. Collin County will be responsible for vaccinating critical staff as well as the indigent and uninsured.

Its only the flagrant use of OPM that permits this normally frugal county government to spend $500 on something that will cost it less than $20.

Collin County prides itself on its efficient use of taxpayers dollars. It has no similar attitude when it comes to spending OPM... even if that OPM is taxpayer's dollars.

The county's Homeland Security Department is expert at finding and spending huge sums of OPM grant funds, often with little result.

Bill

From a Collin County press release:

HEALTH ADVISORY: Sept. 8, 2009
Contact:Christie Hix, R.N., 972-548-5500

Seasonal flu vaccines for adults now available; children's doses to arrive later

(McKINNEY, Texas) -- Collin County Health Care began offering seasonal flu vaccinations for adults only beginning today. These are the regular flu vaccinations offered every year at this time for people 19 and older. Vaccinations for children will be available at a later date, and vaccinations for the H1N1 virus (swine flu) will not be available until later in the year.

For seasonal flu shots for adults, vaccinations will be offered Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m., at the county’s immunization clinic, 825 N. McDonald St., in McKinney.

Medicare Part B and Texas Medicaid are accepted, and health officials remind patients to bring Medicare or Medicaid cards to the clinic. For those who do not have Medicare Part B or Medicaid, the cost for the adult vaccine is $20. Cash and checks are accepted. Payment can be made with cash or check. Please wear short sleeves if possible. To be certain that supplies are on hand as flue season progresses, please call the Collin County Health Care Services office at 972-548-5500.

For more information on seasonal flu and vaccinations, please log on to www.collincountytx.gov and type “Influenza information” into the search box.

The Collin County Observer has learned that the county is due to receive federal stimulus grants totaling over $707,000 earmarked to coordinate planning and distribution of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine and/or anti-virals.

The grant funds will allow the county to react to any decision by the federal government to initiate a mass vaccination campaign. The county will be able to use the money for planning, recruitment of staff, contractors or volunteers that will actually do the vaccinations or dosing of anti-viral medications, and staging of supplies needed. However, while the county can plan and get a system organized, it can not implement any mass vaccinations unless and until the federal government issues a declaration of need.

The grant will cover costs for vaccinating "target population groups". The state defines the target groups as:

• pregnant women
• people living with a baby under 6 months old
• healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• all people from 6 mos. to 24 years of age
• persons aged 25 - 64 with chronic medical conditions

The vaccine would be available in mid-October and provided at no cost to hospitals, pharmacies, medical providers and Collin County. It is unclear how many doses will be available under this program. Recent media coverage has focused on an anticipated shortage of vaccine, especially early in the flu season.

The $707,000 grant represents Collin County's portion of a $17.8 million dollar Public Health Emergency Response (PHER) program that the State of Texas is distributing to local health departments statewide.

The county is in the process of filing the needed paperwork in Austin, and final acceptance of the program by the commissioners' court is expected in mid-September.

Bill

The commissioners court, meeting as the Health Care Trustees, will consider a contract Monday with the state department of health to purchase an unspecified amount of anti-viral drugs at a below market price.

These anti-virals will be part of the county's planned response to a likely Swine Flu (H1N1) outbreak this fall. The World Health Organization reports that H1N1 flu has reached pandemic proportions and is spreading worldwide. The WHO notes the rapid spread of H1N1, along with the normal season flu in the southern hemisphere, where the winter flu season has already begun.

According to the WHO, the United States has, by far, the largest number of cases of H1N1 in the world.

As of July 6, the WHO reported over 94,000 cases of H1N1 worldwide. The US accounted for almost 34,000 of these cases amounting to over 1/3 of the infections in the world. The US is also among the leaders in mortality cased by the H1N1 virus. While the US reports it has 36% of the flu cases worldwide, it also accounts for 39% of the deaths from the flu. The world death rate from the flu is 0.45%; in the US it is 0.50%

Texas, according to CDC statistics released last week, has reported over 5,100 cases of the Swine Flu, with 27 deaths. Texas mortality rate is slightly higher than the national average at 0.52%

As of July 20, Collin County reported 76 cases and no deaths.

County health officials do plan on acquiring Swine Flu vaccines as well as the more traditional season flu vaccines when they become available - probably in September. According to Candy Blair, the county's Director of Health Care Services, the vaccines would first be made available to first responders and health care professionals, then to those citizens in high risk groups.

Bill

Update July 27:

At the Healthcare Trust Fund meeting today, Candy Blair explained that the county will only be purchasing 600 doses of the anti-viral drugs. 500 are for county 'first responders' and 'essential personnel'. 100 doses are being procured on behalf of the Collin County Community College District.

Ms. Blair told the commissioners that the State was only planning to procure 570,000 doses, and those were not for general distribution to the public - even in case of pandemic. The purpose of the state program is to ensure that in the event of a major epidemic, essential services are uninterrupted.

The commissioners asked Ms. Blair to prepare, for court approval, the list of 500 essential employees eligible to receive the anti-viral drugs.

It should be noted that this program is for drugs that are given after exposure to the Flu. They are not vaccines.

The county is planning on purchasing flu vaccines for low cost distribution to at risk individuals.

Bill

Collin County
Health Advisory: Swine Influenza

As of late Wednesday, May 6th, 2009, the H1N1? (swine flu) case count for Collin County is:

Confirmed Cases: 3
Probable Cases: 7

Meanwhile, Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) would like to share the following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released Tuesday afternoon:

• As of today, school closures are not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, are not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
• Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
• Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
• Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
• Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.
• Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
• Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
• School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.
• Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
• Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.

Also, Plano Independent School District officials announced to day that the three schools closed earlier due to concerns over swine flu will now reopen on May 6.

For a complete copy of the above-referenced document, please see the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/K12_dismissal.htm. For up to the moment information on this public health concern, please visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu. CCHCS health advisories and updates can be viewed at: http://www.co.collin.tx.us/.

Note: Plano schools closed for swine flu will re-open today

Bill

=================================

Health Care Services

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

May 5, 2009

HEALTH ADVISORY: H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

(McKINNEY, Texas) – As of late Tuesday, May 5th, 2009, the H1N1 (swine flu) case count for Collin County is:

Confirmed Cases: 3
Probable Cases: 4

Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) would like to share the following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that was released Tuesday afternoon:

• As of today, school closures are not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, are not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
• Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
• Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
• Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
• Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.
• Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
• Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
• School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.
• Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
• Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.

For a complete copy of the above-referenced document, please see the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/K12_dismissal.htm.

For up to the moment information on this public health concern, please visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu.

CCHCS health advisories and updates can be viewed at: http://www.co.collin.tx.us/.

=================

Collin County Health Advisory: Swine Influenza

As of Monday morning, May 4, 2009, this is the count on Swine Influenza from Collin County’s health authority:

Confirmed Cases: 1
Probable Cases: 3
Schools Closed: 3

Health authorities confirmed the first local case of Swine Flu, a 14-year-old Plano middle school student, after test results were verified by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control last week.

According to Collin County Health Care Services and the Plano Health Authority a student at Wilson Middle School is the only confirmed case of H1N1? Influenza, with two more “probable” cases in the county under investigation by health authorities.

The Plano Independent School District announced Sunday, May 3, that Barron Early Childhood School and Sigler Elementary School will be closed until May 18, due to a few strong probable cases of Influenza A H1N1? virus (swine flu). Wilson Middle School, originally schedule to be closed until May 11, will also remain closed until May 18.

The two-week closures are based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendations because children are likely to be infectious for about 7–10 days after the onset of illness.

Residents are advised to take a few preventative measures to protect themselves against this respiratory disease.

Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide guidance for the public and health providers.

For Collin County buildings, our Facilities Management staff is taking extra precautions in sanitizing public, employee and common areas to help lessen the spread of Swine Flu Housekeeping personnel will clean all areas with a disinfecting solution several times during the work day, as well after their regular hours routine.

Collin County Epidemiology, Health Department, and Homeland Security staff members will continue to provide updates and guidelines for health care providers, and school administrators. We will continue to update this page daily until public health concerns over Swine Flu subside.

read more....

As of late Friday afternoon, May 1, 2009, this is the count on Swine Influenza from Collin County’s health authority:

Confirmed Cases: 1

Probable Cases: 3

Schools Closed: 1

Health authorities confirmed the first local case of Swine Flu, a 14-year-old Plano middle school student, after test results were verified by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control earlier today.

According to Collin County Health Care Services and the Plano Health Authority a student at Wilson Middle School is the only confirmed case of H1N1? Influenza, with two more “probable” cases in the county under investigation by health authorities.

Residents are advised to take a few preventative measures to protect themselves against this respiratory disease.

Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide guidance for the public and health providers.

For Collin County buildings, our Facilities Management staff is taking extra precautions in sanitizing public, employee and common areas to help lessen the spread of Swine Flu Housekeeping personnel will clean all areas with a disinfecting solution several times during the work day, as well after their regular hours routine.

Collin County Epidemiology, Health Department, and Homeland Security staff members will continue to provide updates and guidelines for health care providers, and school administrators. We will continue to update this page daily until public health concerns over Swine Flu subside.

Read more on the Collin County Swine Flu website.....

Update to the update: May 3, 2009 8:19 PM

The Dallas Morning News reports that two more Plano ISD schools will close due to possible swine flu infections. Plano ISD officials announced Sunday that Barron Early Childhood School and Sigler Elementary School are closed until May 18.

The DMN's article also mentions two probable cases of swine flu at Thomas Hicks Elementary School in Frisco. Thomas Hicks Elementary is in the Lewisville ISD, which has already closed all its campuses.

See Plano ISD closes two more schools because of probable swine flu cases, The Dallas Morning News, May 3, 2009

Bill

Collin County Health Care Services
825 N. McDonald? St. Suite 130
McKinney?, Texas 75069
www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2009
HEALTH ADVISORY: Swine Influenza

(McKINNEY, Texas) – No confirmed cases of swine influenza A virus have been reported in Collin County as of late Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2009.

Epidemiologic investigations being conducted by Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) are ongoing. We are also diligently working with physicians throughout the county to respond to this ongoing public health concern.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. (See Table below)

Some useful resources for persons who have questions regarding swine flu are as follows:

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has activated a hotline for people to call with questions about swine flu. The hotline is available from 7 am to 7 pm and can be reached by dialing 1-888-777-5320.

• The CDC can be reached by phone at 1-800-CDC-INFO, or by email at cdcinfo@cdc.gov
• For updates on Collin County’s website, please visit our News and Advisory link on the CCHCS web page at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/healthcare_services

To protect against becoming sick, take the following steps:

• Cover your cough!—Make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve to prevent the spread of germs
• Wash your hands!—Thorough hand washing with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs; Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also recommended when soap and water are not available
• Keep hands off!—Germs are easily spread from person to person or person to surfaces when you touch your eyes nose or mouth first
• Sick? Stay home!—Staying home from school or work when you are ill helps prevent the spread of illness

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 29, 2009, 11 a.m. ET)

International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization

April 30 5:45 PM UPDATE:

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
April 30, 2009

HEALTH ADVISORY: 1st Swine Flu case confirmed; two probable cases being investigated

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Health authorities confirmed the first local case of Swine Flu, a 14-year-old Plano middle school student, after test results were verified by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control earlier today.

According to Collin County Health Care Services and the Plano Health Authority a student at Wilson Middle School is the only confirmed case ofH1N1 Influenza, with two more “probable” cases in the county under investigation by health authorities.

For updates and more information on a local and national basis, please logon to www.collincountytx.gov.